Maths Week Scotland
Maths Week Scotland is a Scottish government initiative, aimed at showing the beauty and creativity of Mathematics all around the country. Every year we take part in this nationwide initiative through a variety of exciting events and activities aimed at people from any age or background.
In 2022 Maths Week Scotland was celebrated between the 26th September and the 2nd October. We contributed to the initiative through a wide range of events, both online and in person, to suit people from any age, background or geographical location. Below you can find our program, which included exhibits, Maths Clubs for children and family, and development workshops for teachers and educators.
Live events for teachers and educators
Tuesday 13th September- 5:00pm-6:30pm: Maths Circles and Open Ended problems (online workshop for primary teachers and educators)
During this online workshop aimed at primary teachers and educators, we will give a brief introduction to our Maths Circles and then explore some of the resources we use. We will also discuss how such resources can be used in the classroom and can spark curiosity and help children develop their mathematical thinking. The event is free but booking is required. Please click on the link below to book a space:
Thursday 15th September- 5:00pm-6:30pm: Maths Circles and Open Ended problems (online workshop for secondary Maths teachers)
This workshop will be similar to the above one, but we will focus on resources suitable for secondary school pupils. We will give a brief introduction to our Maths Circles and then explore some of the resources we use. We will also discuss how such resources can be used in the classroom and can spark curiosity and help children develop their mathematical thinking. The event is free but booking is required. Please follow the link below to book a space.
Friday 23rd September- 5:00pm- 7:30pm: Celebrate Mathematics with the University of Edinburgh (workshop for all teachers and educators)- James Clerk Maxwell Building
After two years of pandemic, we are pleased to invite again all teachers and educators for an evening workshop and reception where we celebrate the beauty and breadth of Mathematics. You will get hands-on, try a variety of stimulating mathematical activities and find out what resources the University of Edinburgh can offer to schools and communities. Hopefully you will find some ideas to take to your classroom. You will hear from staff members about their research and, overall, you will have a chance to celebrate the creative and fun side of Mathematics. Light refreshments will be provided after the event.
The event is free to attend but registration is required. To book a space please click on the link below:
Online resources for teachers, educators or family
In addition to our live events, we can offer a range of online resources for teachers to download and use. Please see below for further details.
This is a kit of resources for P5-S3 students, aimed at developing mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as showing the creative and fun side of mathematics. The resources focus on strategy games and some applications of Maths to transport networks. They include some videos, a range of puzzles catering different abilities, and a document with tips and advice for teachers who want to use them in the classroom. The resources can be found here.
Five Maths graduates working in different sectors explain how they use maths in their jobs, and mention some of the struggles they were facing while studying maths. Then they will present a puzzle which is somehow related to their job. Check this page for further details, and to watch the videos.
Climate Change is one of the biggest issues that we are currently facing, but did you know that there is actually a lot of maths behind it? Check out our resources to see some of the number crunching that Climate Scientists do in their fight to save our planet!
The resources include a Powerpoint presentation, together with some notes for teachers and a lesson plan. To receive the material please email francesca.iezzi@ed.ac.uk.
Live events for adults and for families
Saturday 24th September- 10:30am-4:30pm- Geometry, Art and Mind- National Museum of Scotland
This small exhibit brings the creativity and precision of mathematics to the general public, using computer-aided design, recent innovations in 3D printing, and bright lights! Join University of Edinburgh staff and students at the National Museum of Scotland, play with the idea of dimension, projections, polygon, and tiling, find out about mind-blowing optical illusions. Together we will explore crossover between geometry and art, and how our brain may have a distorted perception of the objects around us. The event is free and no booking is required. You will be able to stay as long or as little as you like.
Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th September- 6:00pm- 7:00pm- Online Maths Circle (for children aged 7 to 14 and their family)
Even though our in-person events are back, we have not forgotten those who live far away from Edinburgh, or those who are not able or prefer not to attend in-person events. Our online Maths Circle is a one hour long live workshop where children can join University of Edinburgh staff and students as we approach together a selection of stimulating and fun mathematical activities. The Maths Circle on Tuesday 27th September will be aimed at 7-11 years old, while the one on Wednesday 28th September will be aimed at 11-14 years old. Both sessions are free but booking is required. Further information and a link to the booking pages can be found at:
https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/outreach/maths-circle
Saturday 1st October- 1:00pm-4:00pm- Edinburgh Maths Circle- James Clerk Maxwell Building
For the first time after 2020, the Edinburgh Maths Circle is running again as an in-person event. This is a free drop-in session where children aged 5-16 and their family can have a go at puzzles and stimulating mathematical activities. Join University staff and students for an afternoon of Maths… and fun. If you like Maths you will find food for your thoughts. If you do not like Maths then we hope our fun activities will change your mind. The event is entirely free, no booking is required and you will be able to stay as long or as little as you like. Further information can be found at:
https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/school-of-mathematics/outreach/maths-circle
Saturday 1st October- 12:00pm-4:30pm- Geometry, Art and Mind- James Clerk Maxwell Building
If you have missed our exhibit on the 24th September at the museum, then no need to worry because we will exhibit the material again on the 1st of October at James Clerk Maxwell Building (University of Edinburgh). Admission is free and no booking is required. Further information on how to find the building can be found on the page how to find us.